MBSR - Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

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Mindful-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)  is an integrative neurobiological approach designed to improve overall coping strategies. Mindfulness assists in the reduction of stress, anxiety, addictive behavior, depression and  inflammation. At Nature’s Oak Wellness Center our eight week course offers participants the ability to explore brain training techniques for improved physical and emotional well-being. 

 According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness is defined as - “Mindfulness is awareness cultivated by paying attention in a sustained and particular way:  on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally. And then I sometimes add, in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.” 

The practice of mindfulness is intended bring your focused attention on the present moment, with non-judgment and compassion, while developing the art of acceptance of “what is.” It is a state of “being” rather than a state of “doing.” Many, many studies have concluded the practice of mindfulness plays an important role in stress reduction, autoimmunity, and health conditions. Research has demonstrated significant changes in symptom reduction, bio-marker improvements, and even a reduction and elimination of some health conditions.

The many benefits of MBSR include:

• Improved emotional regulation for anxiety, stress, depression, and anger
• Reduced worry and doubt
• Improved sleep patterns
• Increase concentration and focus
• Learned mindful listening, living, and loving
• Improved assertiveness and communication
• Learned how to mindfully eat and utilize good nutrition for mood management
• Address substance abuse
• Improved marital conflict, communication, and compassion

At Nature’s Oak, we think of MBSR as a way to connect the participant with their own inner resources, while building a ‘mindfulness toolbox’ to deepen the overall practice. 

Our focus on brain training skills assists participants to:

• Guide and train your brain to respond vs. reaction to emotional situations
• Mindfully deal with emotional and physical pain
• Learn how to self-regulate your emotions
• Manage automatic thoughts and impulsivity more effectively
• Experience the benefits of meditation of your physical and emotional well-being
• Learn the benefits of mindful eating
• Improved relationship communication with the practice of mindful listening and speaking

During the 8 week class participants can expect the class to include:

• Discussion, experiential exercises, and suggested practices
• Experiential practice of mindfulness techniques that may include: standing, walking, sitting, and lying down
• Different types of meditation practices
• Materials and suggested readings and videos
• Beginner ‘Yoga Under the Oaks’

Many studies prove practicing mindfulness, will provide the participant with more calm, peace, resilience, and acceptance into daily life.  In turn, benefiting all and creating a more compassionate world.

“We are very good at preparing to live, not very good at living. We know how to sacrifice ten years for a diploma, and we are willing to work very hard to get a job, a car, a house, and so on. But we have difficulty in remembering that we are alive in the present moment, the only moment there is for us to be alive.” 

-Tich Nhat Hanh